A VIEW FROM A DIFFERENT HEAVEN

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter October 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a time when the ancient Gods and Goddesses ruled this planet, a group of Beings [don’t you dare called them ‘angels’] were gathered together for their daily party. Yes, in this Heaven it was party, party, party all the time… the wine was divine, the music celestial, and the people just loved being here… Well, what’s not to like…?!  It was Heaven at its best !

And in this particular day the main attraction was watching those weird little creatures they had created to populate the planet…and see what foolish things they’d get up to now… Bizarre little creepy things they were, always running around doing crazy things – loving one day, fighting another, it was a wild roller-coaster ride, even though their lives were so short…but man, were they funny! Look at them now, rallying together under some silly pretense to go out and bash each other, vilifying even the most basic courtesies, as they postured and pointed their dirty fingers at those whom they’d decreed ‘were not as good as them!’

Yes, they still thought that they were better than others, without realizing that, from the point of view of Heaven, one dirty savage is no different from another…and still they fought for supremacy, still believed that ‘Might makes right’… and for what ? to gather some measly material possessions, a title or two, some gold or such like… and then they die! What a waste of life…

Well, it was quite amusing to these non-angels… and so they thought of making things even more interesting – they took bets on what it would take to bring about ‘evolution’ to these weird little creatures… Soon two different camps were formed – the first would send down a great leader – a Being of superior intellect, one with many gifts and powers, who – supposedly – would be able to unite these warring tribes, and bring them peace… while the other group would simply create more drama, more attrition, more chaos… and we’ll see who will win … [the wager was a cask of golden nectar, much valued in these lofty realms…] And so it began – this wonderful leader was born on this little dirt ball, and even though he was a great speaker – very passionate fellow, and with good diction too – still, he just didn’t catch on… Ok, so a few people followed him as he went around telling people about stuff like love and kindness and unity… but you see, no one really cared…

Yes, some did build temples in his image, and others even wrote down his most famous words… but greed being what it is, soon many elected themselves as being ‘his Acolytes’, his duly appointed ‘chosen ones’ , who will now speak with his voice, and tell all others what to do, how to do it, and how much to pay… [after all, you didn’t think the temple ran itself, now did you…!]… Oh, yes, and they all still fought one another, killing each other in the name of His Holiness…

So, that sucked… and now it’s the others’ turn…

Well, they had it easy – they sent earthquake after earthquake, tornadoes and volcanoes ripping the land apart, torrential rains devastating the land… thousand, nay, millions of creatures died… famine was everywhere… and what do you think happened …? Crazy people created temples and worshiped these new ‘Angry Gods’, and even offered virgin sacrifices to appease them [yuk ! what a weird thing to do… but hey, what’d you expect, they’s primitives, right !] …and when that didn’t work…then they just blamed each other, and went to  war…and killed, and killed, and killed…

And so it was declared a draw – neither side won, because, after all, what can you expect from such retarded little creatures… and so these mighty non-angels in their wisdom smited these lowly creatures …[smote, smit,  oh heck, killed off the buggers… ] for they were no fun after all… Bummer, after all that works… But hey, don’t worry, the party still goes on…the wine still flows abundantly, everyone still rejoices that they were born superior… and if you wait a while, someone else will create another race of weird little Beings… and the fun will start all over again… But hey, don’t hold your breath, you know what’ll happen – they just go and kill each other again…! What did you expect them to do – be ‘enlightened’…that’s a laugh, they’s primitives, man! Here, have another drink…

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him: /by phone — 303.525.7223
/by email — PathtoSpirit@gmail.com
/by website — www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

THE MASK

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter September 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a land forgotten by time, there was a great empire, one ruled not by the heart, not by kindness and gentle generosity… no, they ruled through the mind, by logical deductions and clear rules and policies… after all, “it is the only way to ensure fairness for all”.
And to ensure that this ‘Justice’ was meted out fairly, they appointed a series of adjudicators who controlled various aspects of society… and, to demonstrate their impartial outlook, they all wore Masks… [even though a few whispered that this was done so no-one would know their identity, and hold them accountable for any – apparent – ‘biased judgment’.

You see them walking around in their white robes [meant to depict ‘purity’], their Masks a sign of power, and how easily the crowds all part to give them their space [after all it is their due]. Their rules were clear, and as long as you followed them, you were considered to be a ‘good citizen’, and was rewarded by your peers … after all, you knew exactly what your place was, and wouldn’t dare do otherwise.

And so this great empire grew and flourished, became very rich, and started spreading its rule to all adjacent lands… Those poor saps didn’t know what hit them – how do you fight against the cold execution of the mind, how do you plead your case to those who don’t know their hearts, how do you implore to be left alone to follow your own individuality…

And so they lost… everything… and because they were conquered, they had little or no Rights.  Yes, of course they had to work, so they could earn the right to live, and eat, and work some more…but never as equals, never in luxury, never as themselves…

No, they were not ‘slaves’ [that is too demeaning to the Mind-born]… no, they were simply ‘inadequate’, and so must be taught to know their place, to follow the rules of their better, to simply accept their subordinate role… as befits them… after all, they were not Mind-born.

To make this whole process absolutely clear it was decided that all Mind-born would now wear Masks… just a simple, expedient way to differentiate between those that have [ehm] ‘earned the right to rule’… versus those that obviously were born to follow and serve…

Thus they thought to make themselves strong, and invincible… and they might even have succeeded, except for a small, little, apparently inconsequential factor… Masks cannot hide your true self… and by creating such an obvious separation between its people, they facilitated those born of the Heart to recognize each other more easily…

Now it has begun… the change is here, for in unity there is power, and ego and corruption is its own downfall… Do not think that simply because one is born of the Heart that that person is weak, or even less than you… Don’t you know that the Heart is mighty in its defense of that which is whole and decent and precious to Life itself…

It begins very subtly – letting greed stuff itself to bursting, letting power corrupt the very vessel it inhabits, letting the ego create its own downfall, and those that have much turn their avarice to others who lust after their wealth… and while all this is going on, the Heart will shelter those who know better, and guide them to wait for the Light to emerge, for it will reveal all that is Dark in the minds of men…

It has already started, the revelation of the Light is here… stand clear in your Heart, and in the Brotherhood you claim as your truth… and hold Darkness accountable, no matter how it hides itself…

This is the tale of a great empire that existed long, long ago, and the downfall caused by those who hid behind their Masks, for even as they prized their Mind, they forgot the Light of their Heart.

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the  world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him at 303.525.7223 /
email PathtoSpirit@gmail.com /
website – www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

THE WISE MAN AND FOLLY

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a peaceful land, there lived this wise man way up in the mountains… not too far from this little village. He was a gentle wise man, and so all the little boys of the village liked to spend time with him, listening to his stories of strange lands, and stranger customs. Oh, how they laughed at these foreigners, how they puzzled over the strangers’ incessant lust and greed, how different it all was from their little pristine village… and, at the end of the day the boys would run the whole way back home, shouting gleefully while playing ‘defenders  of the land’… All of them, that is, except for Jon… No, he walks slowly, head turned to the ground, deeply immersed in thought…

The next day Jon is the first to reach the wise man, for he has many questions: “Why do they do this ?” he asks, “Why would anyone engage in such turmoil… Why waste so much of life simply trying to hurt each other…?” There is a look of gentle pity in the wise man’s eyes as he replies “Men who don’t know love…who don’t value  peace and togetherness…who only know how to hurt and abuse others… they are just lonely people, and very, very afraid of what the future will bring… and so they try to make themselves feel important, by hurting and demeaning others.”

Hearing this Jon paled, his eyes shining with unshed tears “But that’s so wrong – if they’d just be nice to  people they would have lots of friends…and they, they wouldn’t need to be so lonely… Why do they do this …?” The old man drew Jon to his chest, holding him in a safe embrace while his tears ran free “Men choose… not out of their hearts, but from their darkest fears” …and held him safe while Jon cried for the loss these strangers would never heal…

Years passed and Jon grew up to be a very serious young man… and the day came when he announced he would go to the strange lands, and seek out those fearful, angry men… and show them love, teach them how to be happy… teach them friendship. He left, without pomp and ceremony, to start his long, long journey… with only the old wise man standing witness for his nobility … [even as he muttered to himself about the folly of youth]

The closer Jon got to the strange lands, the less he recognized – no longer were the trails following the natural contours of the land – no , now they were paved in hard unyielding rock… no longer was the forest free to flow with the rivers – no, now it was cut back so crude fields could be planted in row after row of ugly crops… and what was that stench… what were these people burning as fuel…? Far too soon he came to the city [well, it was really only a small town, but Jon had never seen so many houses together]… and so he stood in the town square [as he had been taught by his elders] and started orating…

In a clear and thrilling voice he told any who passed by about love and friendship, and peace… but all he got back were jeers, people mocking him, laughing at his ‘peasant attitude’… and when he tried – oh, how hard he tried – to make them understand where they went wrong… well then, the crowd got ugly, they started shoving and pushing him, throwing rotten vegetables at him… ugly it was, until the guards came… not to rescue him, but to throw him in jail “For disrupting the peace, inciting a riot , and being a moron”.

The next morning he was before a judge, who took one look at him, at his dirty clothes and unwashed body, and promptly ruled him guilty, sentencing him to three years in a chain-gang, building more ugly roads… and when Jon tried to speak in his defense he was promptly beaten by the guards “For your arrogance, in talking back to the judge”… Three long years later Jon is released, penniless, bruised and battered, to walk back home to his lost village… the road is long and hard, often almost impossible, and only the deep knowledge that love and peace will wait for him in the end sustains him in his journey.

Yes, love and peace… for those who know the true value of life… but, not everyone chooses that… finding their coarse pleasure in greed and hatred… Best leave them to it, then…

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

HOW EVIL WINS...

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Mario C. Veo

This is a true story… I should know, it happened to me.

I was in my late thirties, successful business owner, happy with my achievements, with a good and loyal staff, and clients who were very satisfied… So the next logical step was to expand. I looked around for the right premises – could not find anything appropriate… friends looked – nothing came of it… so we did what everyone said I should have done in the first place: get an agent… and, sure enough, within a few days she found what she thought was the perfect place.

… Well, yes, it looked pretty good, just needed a few adjustments, some remodeling, new equipment put in… and it should work just fine… the only thing is, it wasn’t local, but in the next town. Now the question was how to restructure my staff, move key players over, and take on a different role [plus a commute I wasn’t too happy about]… but I was young, successful, really wanted to expand, and thought I could pull it off. The next day the agent and I flew to see the building.  Floor plans in hand we rushed in, did a whirl-wind examination of the main floor only [big mistake on my part], and it all looked good enough. The next day I signed the lease, and started the renovation – I left it all in the hands of trusted contractors, and flew back home. Too good to be true ? You’re so right.

Two weeks later the contractor calls to say that he cannot continue – not because he doesn’t want to [after all, he’s getting good money] but because there is a major discrepancy – the plans did not match the building. And so I flew back, still with the original plans that showed there should have been extensive quarters at the back of the building… but, guess what – the entrance had been bricked up, and the rooms were being used by the business next door [who were as upset as I was by the whole thing, but showed me, quite clearly, that their lease included those rooms] So I called the owners…who referred me to their lawyers, and made an appointment for the next day.

There are times when clichés do come to life… This fat, unctuous, beady-eyed, toad of a man [ shyster by any other name] proceeds to tell me that I didn’t read the plans properly [and not even using polite language]. When I pointed out that I have an engineering background, and I had remodeled 6 houses already… he just laughed at me. Barely hanging onto my temper I showed him the plans where the others rooms were clearly marked… and he tells me it’s just a closet – yes, a big closet… yes, with many other closets… but still, not rooms. I couldn’t believe my ears – the little toad was mocking me… refusing to recognize what any 12 year old could easy see is a whole suite… I must admit I got louder and louder, getting ready to tell him – in no uncertain terms – what I thought of him, and his whole unethical business practice… And then I saw it – that glimmer in his beady eyes, that malevolent look of a carrion-eater that is just waiting for me to cross the line… so he could now sue me for defamation or whatever else he could trump up.

To him it was all a game… if he could taunt me until I became ‘uncouth’ – crude, foul-mouthed, vulgar… just like him – then I would lose… But that is not my nature… I am not such a vile creature… And so I left, without another word… shut down the renovations, paid the contractors, got hold of my lawyer, and sued the owner for misrepresentation… It took many months, and a lot more money, but in the end I ‘won’ [an empty victory at best]… and took many, many showers to get rid of the stench of it all.

So why am I sharing all this with you – well, look around you… look at all the drama, all the pathetic lies that are going around, look at all the crazies that are sprouting off irrational nonsense, refusing to engage in even the most basic intelligence… It is a contamination, a corrosive energy that has infected our country… that makes us pawn in the hands of little, slimy toads, who take pleasure in infecting us all…

Now I’ll challenge you – how much drama are you allowing into your Life… how harshly do you respond to others’ opinions… how many excuses are you using to justify your point-of-view… how hurtful are your words and actions… and have you forgotten about Karma … ? Just how contaminated are you by all this Dark Energy …?

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

TURN THE OTHER CHEEK

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Bob Romero

My teacher in my metaphysical classes has said that to turn the other cheek does not mean to be a pacifist and let others attack you, it means let no harm be done. So you are fully justified to defend yourself against an attack, even if it means killing the other person to save yourself. This is a difficult situation for those on a spiritual path that are nonviolent. It may mean, however, to ignore exchanging insults. Road rage is a prime example. My instructor in an AARP driving class said that when someone cuts you off in traffic, or makes obscene gestures at you, put him out of your mind, because he is out of his.

Another reason to avoid engaging in verbal assaults is that you don’t want to become bound to the lower energies of the other person. In this current political climate, it’s easy to get caught up in slinging nasty insults back and forth. I used to always make sure that I got a zinger in there, until I listened to a card reading on a web site, which stated, that you shouldn’t become entangled in drama that doesn’t really affect you, because it brings you down.  Send love to the situation and pray for justice. Step back, and observe with divine neutrality.

There are now many claims about “fake news”. In order to be aware of what the true facts are, I researched news organizations to see which ones followed journalistic standards and verified their sources, instead of just using blogs as sources. There was an old saying that used to really get to me, which was “Well, both sides do it”, which to me was a cop out.  I maintained that both ten and a thousand are greater than zero, but they are not equal. Now I can be more effective, by concentrating on being a light worker, and not letting it adversely impact me.

However, if you see atrocities taking place, you must also act, in addition to sending love to the situation. People must be held responsible for any damage or injuries that occur. Inaction on your part will also cause undesirable karma. At the very least, write your senator or congressman, and let them know your displeasure with what’s going on.

I once saw an automobile accident take place right in front of me. A teenage girl and her friend had just started to go after the light turned green, and was hit by a much older man in a pickup that ran a red light. No one was hurt, but the young girl had just gotten her license, and was pretty upset. At the time, the older man was very apologetic to the girl. Seeing that everything seemed under control, I started to drive off. I went about a block, and then my better angels told me to go back. As they were exchanging information and waiting for the police, I gave my business card to the friend, and told her to contact me if they needed a witness. Sure enough the girl’s father called me, and said that that the older man was blaming the young girl for the accident. It appeared to me that he was trying to bully her, and I can’t stand bullies.  I told the father that I would be willing to testify, because the light had turned green for a full second before she started to go through the intersection. It was definitely not her fault. The older man then backed off and paid for the damages. I felt good about what I had done, not because I was some kind of hero, or I took delight in taking a bully down, but because, now the girl knew that she had done nothing wrong.

People who take the high road are often admired for being courageous enough to ignore their ego and keeping their standards high. This may make more of an impact on those with lower energies, than trying to argue with them with facts. Taking the high road is the road to higher consciousness.

Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.

LIFE - SUCCESS, FAILURE, OR JUST BLAH… YOU CHOOSE

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter June 2018

by Mario C.Veo

One of my deepest investigations has been on ‘Power and Self-Empowerment’… and conversely Who and What takes it all away. In my time as a Spiritual Counselor, I have met many great and wonderful people who have been totally oblivious of their gifts and abilities, and are blindly choosing to live a very mediocre Life… and what really pushes my buttons is when I see them being manipulated into submission, to meekly accept that ‘this’ is really the best that they can achieve, that this blah life is all they deserve… I see this everywhere – the way some managers speak to their employees, petty politicians and their empty promises – while really pandering to special interests, the still active prejudice between races / religious beliefs /  gender status, the petty use of News to slander / offend / belittle, the blind dismissal of western doctors to even the most valuable of complementary medicines…

Everywhere people are bombarded by misinformation-touted-as-Truth, they are browbeaten by bullies, incited to resist even the most beneficial of changes by hidden special interest groups, are being fooled by propaganda couched as righteous zeal… and – worst of all – it even happens in personal relationships. Disempowerment is easy to achieve:- all you have to do is hurt / offend / belittle someone often enough until they break… or praise and kiss their a** until they are too full of themselves, and now will be your puppet, addicted to their own inflated Ego.

Yes, it really is that easy to manipulate someone… the difficult part starts when you try to heal them, to free them from these offensive chains, to awaken them to their own true self… especially when their self-image is too confused to recognize all of their good qualities… And that is exactly where we all are in our current political chaos – we live in a time of Conflict and Revelation… all that is wrong / dark / corrupt… all that is fueled by greed / fear / violence / exploitation… all will be revealed so that it can be cleansed and healed, so that once again harmony, balance, respect, and appreciation may rule.

And here’s the Key – it all starts within you… Once you realize that you have to live as Truth, behave honorably, claim joyful and loving relationships… then all in your Life will change to reflect the Change that you have become… and if we all do this, then society will change, and these negative forces will no longer be dominant.

As many wise ones have said:  “Be the change you want to see in the world” So how do we achieve all this, how do we start…? Easy – stop pandering to the external influences, take stock of who you are, and what would make you happy / fulfilled / successful, disengage from people and situations that have hurt or belittled you, feed you inner gifts and abilities, and use these to guide your Life to success…

Yes, it is that simple… but it is a choice, and you have to want it… 

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

THE OTHER TALE OF THE UGLY DUCKLING... REVISITED

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter June 2018

by Mario C. Veo

It all started in a small town, one just like many others, where neighbor knows neighbor, prices are fair, and all are good, law abiding people … for they all know their place. In such a town was born young Thomas, apparently a well adjusted child, over all well behaved even if a little too curious, asking too many questions… and even daring to pester the local pastor with questions that no young boy had the right to ask… [and if his father was a touch too strict, and at times had to spank the boy… well, it was for his own good now, wasn’t it… after all, if the boy was not quite so boisterous then he wouldn’t need to be punished, now would he ?!]

And so in this idyllic little town the young boy grew up into a young man, and gave up his sassiness, learned how to be respectful of his wiser elders, learnt his place, he did. “Smart”, many said “and even handsome” others murmured… “So, let’s make him a deal… Let’s offer him a position in our Bank… after all, he’s one of us, and we need a ‘good’ manager”

And so the elders approached young Thomas with what was obviously a sweet deal, “Tommy-boy you look well… Certainly grew up out of your rambunctious nature… Have come to appreciate the good life we all have here… Want you to take your place in our community… Make us proud of you, now”

They all talked at once, so overwhelming they were that ‘Tommy-boy’ agreed without really knowing what it was all about… The following Monday he found himself bright and early being ushered into his new office [dressed in his best collar and tie, he did… and he so impressed everyone, that the elders all congratulated themselves on their good judgment… and even the young female tellers spruced themselves up, and shyly introduced themselves]

And so young Thomas-Thom-Tommy-boy found himself having to learn what the bank was all about… and what better way then to review past transactions… y’know, who lent money to whom, who defaulted on their payments, who lost their land… who bought them out at a profit… y’know, just normal bank business. Well now, young Thomas considered himself a man of integrity, a man who really wanted to live the good and proper life of a God-fearing man… so he studied deeper… and deeper… and found that only a few families were allowed to grow rich and prosperous, only a few families ruled the town, only a few families were untouched by grief and famine…and look’it here, they owned the bank… and yes, they were the wise elders… interesting…

So now, what’s a young man to do… was he certain of his findings… or was he just seeing coincidences where no fault truly lies… did he really think that he, in his ever so short a career, had enough information to even know what he was looking at, and – the greatest of all questions – was it really his place to do anything about it.

And so young Thomas-Thom-Tommy-boy sat for many a day, ruminating, thinking, considering his options… and even looking back to his youth, at the times when he was so certain that he dared question…. The day came for the quarterly report, and he decided that he would simply present the information, and ask for clarity… and… see what would happen…. This time the meeting was not held in the bank’s conference room…no, apparently this was a special occasion, and so it was to be held in the wealthiest mansion in town, and for a proper dinner too…

So, dressed in his best attire, the young man presented himself at the proper time… and was greeted by the daughters of the elders… who quite demurely led him into the parlor, where, chaperoned by their mothers, proceeded to ask him his opinion on family, and marriage, and children… and if he thought that he would be a good provider… and asked if his position in the bank would be enough… or if he would consider investing in some properties that may come available…

The girls were all quite pretty, and well mannered too… they knew just how to treat a man, a man who had so much potential, so much to offer to a proper wife… his whole life opened before him… riches and respect in the community… or… who knows what… and at that point he knew exactly what the right thing to do was… “May I introduce you to our new mayor, the Honorable Thomas Truss, and his lovely wife, Grace…”

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

SO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY... WELL, WATCHA GONNA DO 'BOUT IT, EH!?

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter July 2016

by Mario C. Veo

More and more I'm realizing how much better Life could be - simply by considering different 'choices'... and here's the kicker - most people do NOT - I mean, would you seriously stay in a job which does not really respect you... but the money is good... how about a relationship where the sex is fine... but not much else...?(O.K., so maybe for some of you that's enough, but really, is that all your old age will be about?!)

What about the many times when you could have made a different choice... what would your Life have brought you?... and, why didn't you choose differently? Where you are 'afraid of success'? or simply couldn't be bothered?... how about that you didn't believe you could have more... or simply didn't think that 'something better' was available... so you just did what? 'settle for less than you're worth'...?

Look, I'm not trying to make you feel bad... no, really, I'm simply getting you to consider that there is sooooo much more that's available to you(yes, indeedy!) Trust me, I've been half way round the world and back... and it can be a most amazing, wonderful, fulfilling, 'blow your granma's socks right off' kind of place... (to the point that you just might look forward to your next incarnation... just saying...)

So how do we get there? Funny you should ask...
First, consider that EVERYTHING is within Spirit, so that everything is constantly available(even if poor little me ain't able to see it yet... just believe, O.K.?)
Next, take a step back from all your experiences, and the labels you gave them(good-bad-awful-never again... and, my favorite, what-was-I-thinking!?)... simply 'Observe'.
Now, ask yourself: "What caught me... why did I react so... what could I have done differently...? (and the most important one) "What was Spirit trying to tell me?"

With me so far?? Good! the solution is very close... look at all the wonderful, great, creative aspects that make you truly the unique person that you are... go deeper within your Radiance... and from this Center, look at the Choices that Life can bring you... and take the first step towards this new Future... (and don't be frightened!!)

Now, even as you read this some of you are shaking your head, saying things like; "Well, you don't understand... Life is not so simple... I just can't... I've tried, but no matter what, I simply never seem to...

Yes, I hear you... Life can be a bitch... but it doesn't always have to be... I also see that you really could succeed/love/live/prosper/change... and be ridiculously happy. So, for you I've created a series of seminars to help you get past your challenges... and that's what this month is all about... (Yup! I'm a nice guy... I want ALL of us to be our most radiant self)... so what say you, ready to blow the lid off this pop-stand?!?

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons and the last Sunday of the month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

OK, IT'S TIME TO PAY ATTENTION...YES, RIGHT NOW!

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter May 2016

by Mario C. Veo

There are times in our life when we must be more aware, more cautious of our thoughts and words, more sensitive to Energies and what causes them... for here we stand at the very crossroads of Life, and the future is ours to shape ... if [and only if] we are aware. So, give up your mewling... your common complaints ... shrug off the past, with its losses and lacks, and once and for all claim your Right to live fully and joyfully.

No, it's not a slogan, nor a political platitude - yuck!

It is a call to clean yourself off of all those negative energies, those contaminating thoughts and feelings, to brush off the belittling people in your Life... and figure out what you really want what will make you happy... and, if for some weird reason you believe that you 'don't deserve', then it's well past time for you to change... to grow and see the True Beauty that you are.

It all starts with your Aura - that simple conglomeration of the Energies given off by your thoughts and feelings... add to this its magnetic properties and you have a recipe for success or absolute catastrophe... the choice - as I have been telling you many times over - has always been up to you...

No one has more power than you and your Aura - together you can create miracles.

What? you don't believe me...?

Consider this simple statement - All is vibration [Quantum Physics proves this] and is very fluid, shifting and changing, creating Flows of Infinite Possibilities... until fixed and crystallized by Thought or Belief, now becoming rigid and immovable, it shapes Reality in its own image[for all you metaphysical practitioners out there the Law is 'Energy follows Thought, and is crystallized through Word and Action'... thus you free - or damn - yourself... no one else does it!].

So ... it's time to pay attention - not only to Who and What we are... but also to what we give off... are you a kind, nice, gentle, loving Being... then "Whatever you give off shall be returned threefold"... or, are you still caught by Lack... starving yourself when abundance is all around you - free, just for the taking.

OK, it's time to do something about all this ... so, this month's classes are offered to teach all of us how to be more prosperous, how to embrace Life's riches, how to cleanse [or heal] our Aura ... and there's even a little Magic thrown in there...
Now is the time... choose... what will it be... ?!?

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations every Tuesday afternoon and the last Sunday of each month at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

THE POWER YOU HAVE... WHICH NO ONE WANTS YOU TO KNOW

© 2016 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter April 2016

by Mario C. Veo

In my many years as a counselor, I have been intrigued by how people are so easily led astray by how others see them... and through all this, fail to recognize all their wonderful gifts and abilities.
Think about it for a moment: "Do YOU really know yourself...?"

No, I'm not talking about your level of education, not even your job, money, age, health, disease, or relationship status... no, not even your Astrological Sign. If you take all this away, what is left...? WHO are you...?!

Most people will struggle to find a proper answer (and for all you New Agers, please do not respond with that trite comment, "I am a Soul having a Human Experience". Until you have achieved a proper Soul-Fusion, and are fully enlightened, then - at best - you are a Seeker who is trying to walk the Path of Light... but hey, so are we all...

To get back to the Question - this search to 'know our Self' is not posed in vain (no, I'm not that much of a tease, 'though I may from time to time)... This is a very, very(are you paying attention?) very important Question... for within you is your True Essence, the Power you have fought so hard to achieve over the many Incarnations(and if you are one of the shy violets who isn't comfortable with 'power', it's just Light... pure, radiant, joyful, glowing

Light, through which so, so much can be revealed and achieved).

So, if it is so simple, (hey, just go within and check out the bright lights...), then why aren't we all 'Enlightened'?! (and just an FYI - if someone tells you that they are enlightened, there is a sure-fire test: just ask them to walk on water... after all, it's been done before, so we know it's practical proof!)

But I digress - We are not 'Enlightened' because we have been caught in that sticky mess which we call Life... not that wonderful, joyous, loving, prosperous, laugh-my-head-off Life... but the other kind. The one where we bitch and complain, gossip and moan about all that is wrong... until, at the very end we are so tired, so depleted of energy that all we can do is imbibe one more drink so we can go to sleep... blotto... no one is home...(not a pretty picture... alas, far too common...).

So - just to pique your interest - this month's classes are dedicated to YOU... the struggles you may have with Life, with energy vampires, a wounded heart or a torn aura, and how to find your Center once again... and, just for fun, how to create two talismans for blessings and protection... Oh yes, there is also a Rejuvenation Process... in case you were interested.

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

AH, IF ONLY LIFE WAS SO SIMPLE...

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter December 2015

by Mario C. Veo

As one of the Readers for the Shining Lotus™, I have one of the best jobs ever… I get to show people wonderful new opportunities, different solutions to their problems, guide them to see the bigger picture… and at times warn them of wrong choices.

I have a deep passion to help others grow and embrace all of their Gifts, to have the very best that Life has to offer, to blossom and flourish, and to make wise choices… sounds good, right?!… well, not so much.

My greatest disappointments are when they look at me with wide-eyed distress (fear?) and mumble under their breath: “It’s not that easy… Life is hard… you just can’t do that…” and then they start with all the (well-programmed) excuses: “It’s the economy/the government/the family/my husband-wife-children… we are not allowed to… I can’t just pack up and move… you don’t know what it’s like… Change is not easy… you are not out there!”

Actually, I am ‘out there’ (and beyond), and I do know ‘what it’s like’, and I also know about ‘changes’ (after all, my parents emigrated twice, and I did once more)… so let me tell you this very clearly: “You CAN do anything you want… create total changes… embrace love/health/wealth… create a peaceful and rewarding Life… and equally, you choose to bitch and moan, complain about your powerlessness (even as you still choose to invest in it), and keep your Life on this diminishing track… allowing whatever pain and sorrow from your past to still be directing your Life today (I’m not dismissing its devastating impact on your Life – just wondering how much longer it will take for the healing to be done… or, is its Karma going to play out in your next Life…?)

You see, you DO have Choices – it is your Divine Right, for you have Free-Will!

So, while your ‘choices’ may disappoint me (and my belief in Human Nature), you DO have the Right to them… just remember the Law – As Within, so Without. For every time you hold a limiting thought or belief, then you program your Life accordingly… until our very dear Law of Attraction kicks in, and now Like attracts Like… and you have just successfully programmed your Life unto diminishing returns. But there’s more – you see, even though all this is playing out in the negative, it still demonstrates that you ARE a Magnificent Manifestor… you just go turned around – so why don’t we put all that wonderful Power that you so aptly demonstrated, and create a brilliant New Life for you… humm, what do you say – you game for it??

This month’s classes are dedicated to Self Reflection, to Self Empowerment and Self Realization… so that, once again, you can loudly declare: “I am Happy… hear me purr!!!”

(and don’t worry, it is actually quite easy to achieve… just… close your eyes, take a deep breath, relax… and choose…)

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

OH MY HEART, MY HEART... MY POOR WOUNDED HEART

OH MY HEART, MY HEART… MY POOR WOUNDED HEART
by Mario C. Veo

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter November 2015

by Mario C. Veo

I’ve yet to meet someone who has never had their heart broken… for if I did, I would be suspicious that they never had a heart in the first place. Yes, Life can be very joyous, filled with many wonderful people, glorious sunsets, exciting adventures, rewarding careers, truly meaningful relationships and generous friends… aaaaand because we live in a world of Duality, the opposite is equally true!!!(just look at the news).

So, understanding that Life can be (in the words of many Buddhists), “a moment of joy caught between two sorrows“… (not my opinion – I would rather see it as many moments of joy, with a few hiccups along the way… yep, I’m a strong believer in the Joy of Life)… now what are we going to do about our ‘heart wounds’?

Let’s see… we could allow them rule our Life, forever shying away from ‘happiness’ because, God forbid that I should let myself be hurt again (yes, that is a choice many do)… or, we could hold onto our pain and thrust it to other people’s faces, letting the whole world know that Life’s unfair – look at what was done to me (I’ve met quite a few of those)… or, we could participate in this dysfunction, and make everyone pay for it (psychotic killers anyone !?)… or, if we are meek and mild, just retreat into our shell to lick our wounds, and know that there is a big, bad world out there… and we just don’t belong.

Are there any other choices…? Oh heck yea!!

We could get up, clean up this mess which we used to call ‘Life’… spit in the eye of our offenders, and heal our wounded heart… after all “Success IS the best revenge!… (nope, I never claimed to be a traditional pacifist – just a Healer… but sometimes you just got to kick butt!)
But how do we do this… well, this brings me to our current workshop – HEALING THE WOUNDED SELF – PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES FOR SELF-HEALING AND SELF-EMPOWERMENT.

We meet every Saturday in November, starting on the 7th, from 11 am to 12:30 pm at the Center for Alternative Therapies (4155 East Jewell Ave. Suite 1102, Denver 80222… southeast corner of Colorado Blvd Frontage Road and I-25).
Registration is through the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore (303-758-9113)… Costs are $20 per Saturday, or $70 prepaid. Each Saturday builds on the previous one, so no new registrations will be allowed after November 7.

See you there… or not… whatever you choose!

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

BEING WHO WE ARE

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter April 2015

by Norma Mitchell

When we are first born, we remember our connection with God as wholeness, without separation. As we come from our mother’s body into the world we have agreed to experience for our lifetime, we feel that true sense of separation as an individual body in a world that is designed for us to experience an individual identity. By the time we are learning how to use our voice, our limbs, our senses of space, time, realities of this planet which helps us understand the illusions of separation, we begin to forget the awareness of our oneness with our Source.

These conditions are further complicated by the emotions we experience in the people around us. We feel their love and their pain, their joy and their sadness, their peacefulness or their anger, ­­any emotions that expand our awareness of who they are as people. When we, as infants, become overwhelmed by the emotions of others we may retreat within ourselves and experience the unity with our Source again.

Sometimes though, we react to our distress at being wet, hungry, isolated and ignored by crying for attention and help in the outer world rather than within. We also may turn to others who are a part of our spiritual connections, the beings who are there to help us remember our spiritual origin and that we are never abandoned to being in the conditions we as a soul have chosen to experience.

Some of these beings are there to guide us through our own emotional responses. Some are there as playmates to remind us that we are here to experience joy, love and laughter. And some are angelic beings or masters who help us remember that we are divine beings who have chosen to be here to utilize love to show ourselves and each other how to live that love in a world with its illusion of separation. When we accept that we are always connected through love with our Source, we can also accept that we are a part of that Source at our core.

Even if we don’t understand exactly why we’ve chosen to be here­­in a planet whose people pride themselves on individuality and separation­­we are going through the process of remembering who we are and getting closer to that Oneness that is our truth. This isn’t easy to practice, since we are taught to compete and isolate ourselves from each other in the pursuance of individuality and excellence as people .

Scientists have told us this whole universe is made up of Energy. That this Energy simply is. That even though we have accustomed ourselves to the idea that we “see”, “touch”, and experience the various items in our planet as solid or material forms, they are actually atoms and molecules in a perpetual state of motion.

Many of us don’t see this Energy, much as we don’t see the air we breathe. We accept that air is the one substance that our bodies cannot do without for more than several moments. Let’s consider that this Energy is also something that we cannot do without. Without It, nothing is (including us).

This Life Force is the whole of life and everything that is. We see Its love for us in the opportunities and guidance It has provided throughout our lives. We may not always want to hear or follow that guidance, yet we see that when we do, we are able to accomplish our dreams, find the peace we search for within, and experience love in various ways throughout our lives.

In a world where we are accustomed to having what we want more and more instantly, do you trust The One to provide what you want even when you may not receive what you want at the moment and in the way you want? This is called faith. Without it, we are at the mercy of our fears and our issues with control.

What we can do is to accept that The One is within us, as well as around us, and that we are part of Its expression of life. This allows us to trust our Creator and to remember who we are.

Norma Mitchell has been working with clients at the Shining Lotus™ since 2008. She provides Intuitive readings every Monday from 12pm to 5pm and also works from 12pm to 5pm on the second Saturday of every month.

Norma will be continuing her Hypno-Regression Therapy Group that meets on the second Thursday of every month. Each participant is encouraged to work within their own experience to identify, analyze and clear whatever traumas, difficulties, or challenges they encounter during the two-hour regression session.
She also has a spiritual discussion group that meets on the third Thursday and brings about topics that come up in our everyday personal spiritual journeys. This class has been very popular while Norma was conducting it in her own home and now she is bringing this opportunity to our neighborhood.

THE HARDER YOU TRY, THE WORSE IT BECOMES...

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter March 2015

The Harder you Try, the Worse it becomes... Have you ever wondered why this is... why this endless struggle without much results... does 'God' really have it in for you... or is it something else? Come on, how much work does it take to finally break through these struggles - after a while 'Karma' just becomes a meaningless excuse... so what gives...!?

Consider this: if you keep hitting your head against a brick wall, you are just going to hurt yourself! (hey! that's a great analogy - now 'you' are the actual cause of your own pain... I never looked at it this way before... go figure...). O.K., to get back to our topic - if you keep struggling - doing all you can to achieve your desires... and no matter how much you do, and how hard you try, still nothing changes... then you must be doing something wrong (gee, ya think!?)

So, how to resolve this dilemma... what to do, what to do with you...

O.K., let's try something a little different - answer me this:

(1) What would make you 'happy'?
Not just you quietly smiling to yourself because today your boss only threw one temper tantrum... and your dog actually didn't ignore you when you got home - hey, the schmuck thinks he's a cat... No, I mean "Happy" as in gloriously exciting, fill your mouth with teeth, jump up and down and smack your struggles upside the head (that's OK, it had it coming!)... Happy with a capital H - filled with vim-and-vigor (or is it "filled with vim-and-vinegar"?... I never get that one right!). So, gloriously "Happy" recently?... nope, didn't think so!...

O.K., now answer this:

(2) Why not?
Heck, if you truly, truly believe... fervently and emphatically BELIEVE that you DESERVE to be Gloriously Happy with every quivering breath of your body... then why aren't you?

Too hard? O.K., let's try the final question:

(3) What are you worth...? and why are you settling for less?
O.K., I know, that's two final questions... jeez louise, just answer it already!!

Yeah, I know, I'm a joker... but frivolity aside, these are very, very important questions - after all, it's your Life that's at stake... and if you don't have the answers, then what choices do you have... and what's worse: "where are you going...!?"

This month's classes are dedicated to our endless 'struggles' - why and how they occur, the Laws which govern them, and how to successfully resolve them... So, if you are ready, then please join us, and if you still enjoy banging your head against the brick wall... then do it with gusto!! (by the way, did you try opening the door that's 'round the corner... I hear it's unlocked...)

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING...& HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU GET THERE...

© 2015 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter January 2015

by Mario C. Veo

When I first started on my Journey, I was a very enthusiastic Seeker – more accurately I was a ‘Workshop Junkie’. I couldn’t wait for the local New Age Newsletter to arrive so that I could hold my pen – poised with quivering anticipation – and select the classes I so hopefully thought would lead me to ‘Enlightenment’ (or at least to Ascension)… ah, the good old days of innocent desire.

So, now that I am older (and not necessarily ‘wiser’) I have learned to pace myself and , while I may not fully agree with the facile adage (“You seek for the Truth to the Ends of the World, only to find yourself there“), still I have uncovered a few, small morsels of ‘Truth’… so, here goes:

• You cannot ‘find’ yourself until you Know who you are
• Stop looking for answers outside of yourself…you are the Key to Happiness
• Only by knowing who you are can you choose what works for you
• Once you are firmly centered in you Beauty/Gifts/Radiance… only then are you Empowered
• Only when you are Empowered can you Attract/Manifest whatever you desire… effortlessly
• and another thing (this one IS important, so pay attention) -

If you are struggling with something – be it pain, sorrow, woundedness, lack – and you try to ‘Manifest’ whatever you so deeply yearn for… then the only thing you can attract is more of the same!
(sorry, the Law: As Within, so Without does not lie)

So, are we doomed to forever walk this Earth like some Ancient Mariner with an Albatross around our neck? (for those of you without a classical English education, this is a reference to quite an ominous piece of poetry about the Karma generated by some misguided Innocent who did not know better) Sorry, I deviate… to get back to our little talk…

No, we are not quite so ‘powerless’… yes, we can Manifest, quite effectively actually… but only if you know ‘the Rules'(which, of course – as so often happens – ‘They’ do not want to share with you. “hey, you are not part of ‘The Secret Circle‘… nor do you know ‘The Secret Handshake’…“, ehm, as I was saying…)

Well, if you know anything about me, then you know I am not too fond of stupid Rules… in fact, I take quite a pleasure in breaking them (I am nothing if not constant). In fact, I find it quite titillating to teach these so called ‘Secrets’ to those who are now ready. As this IS the New Year, we are dedicating this month to exploring the ‘Truth’ about Manifestation… Self-Empowerment… Happiness and Prosperity. Heck, there is sooo much Beauty and Joy out there, why should you be without? Join us… if you dare…

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa. From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to explore a wide range of disciplines. He has studied with Sufis, Shamans and Spiritual Masters from around the world. Mario is a senior T’ai Chi and Chi Gong instructor, a Spiritual Counselor, Shaman and Healer, and teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation, Empowerment, Manifestation and Spiritual Alignments. He is available for personal guidance and consultations.

WHY ARE YOU STILL STRUGGLING?

© 2014 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter 2014

by Mario C. Veo

I am always amazed at how many wonderful people are still struggling with Life… still battling to be successful, be happy, be loved…

It’s too easy to say “It’s Karma… in some way they deserve it… it’s a test – to see how they cope with it.” Really…?!? That’s just so much b*-sh#t!

Consider this – yes, Karma does exist; and yes, it is a “lesson” to be learned… but remember, these are wonderful people!

No, I’m not being a bigot, nor prejudiced – it’s simple knowledge of Energy and Vibrational Rates – if the person embodies a more Animalistic Consciousness, if they are driven by their Lower Nature, if their Energies are lower/contaminated, then yes, all they’re going through IS Karma, and the lesson they have yet to learn… equally, if the person is kind, loving, nurturing, then their Energies are more refined, purer, higher… now this is NOT Karma.

Then what’s going on…?
It’s quite simple – these ‘wonderful’ people have taken upon their shoulders someone else’s Karma, someone else’s burden… (as their Service to Spirit). Why would they do this…? Because they truly are nice people (and this is their way to help all others progress and evolve.)

Oh, that’s so nice… (many of you would say)
Heck no, it isn’t!

At some point it is ‘enabling’, and actually prevents the other from learning his own lesson.

And how do we know when this is happening? When the ‘nice, wonderful’ people are collapsing under this burden… when it has started to feed off their Life Force, when they are caught in this stinky mess and are unable to find their way out… So, it’s time to wake up, all you ‘good people’, and consider the First Rule of Life; “Life is for living, joyfully, lovingly, happily… fully!”

So, it’s time to LET GO and recharge your batteries…(or are you just so programmed to be a ‘beast-of-burden’…?)

This month is dedicated to Energies – their movements, limitations, restrictions and fallacies…and how to release them and fully reclaim yourself…(so, take a deep breath, and figure out what to do with yourself…oh, what to do…what to do…?)

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesday afternoons at the Shining Lotus Bookstore.